get a lot of mileage out of

get (some kind of) mileage out of (something)

To use something to a certain degree or extent. The phrase, which is used with variable intensifiers (a lot of, much, more, a little, etc.) to denote how much, is an allusion to the mileage of an automobile as an indicator of the longevity of its usefulness. The president has gotten a lot of mileage out of his tax cuts as a platform for his re-election campaign.One way to cut down on spending is to buy clothes you're sure you'll get mileage out of.I'm afraid you won't get much mileage out of this old computer anymore.

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